Albany County disaster recovery center opens

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state agencies and Albany County services will stationed daily at a disaster recovery center at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 24 Martin Road in Voorheesville, across from Voorheesville High School, until further notice.

Residents will be able to visit the center for information on disaster assistance programs available to homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by Hurricane Irene, and also register with FEMA to apply for disaster aid.

“The County has been working closely with FEMA and the State to get help to residents and businesses as quickly as possible,” said County Executive Michael Breslin. “We have requested a disaster recovery center so people have someone to answer their questions in person and we encourage anyone who needs assistance or has questions to register by phone or online with FEMA and visit the center.”

Individuals are encouraged to go to the center to receive guidance about state disaster aid and help for unemployed persons and displaced workers as the result of the hurricane; information for senior citizens about state-funded programs; access to forms and services pertaining to motor-vehicle issues; coordination and assistance with any needs for daycare services; access to MyBenefits pre-screening tool; information about replacement food stamps; guidance related to water quality and mold due to flood damage; and for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program information.